Prediabetes Sweet Tooth Doesn’t Always Lead to Weight Gain

A new study says that people who consume a “moderate” amount of candy per day have a slightly lower body mass index than people who don’t eat candy. They also run a 15 percent lower risk than the general population of developing metabolic syndrome, the cluster of conditions that is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

“Moderate” consumption is defined as 1.3 ounces-about 36.4 grams-per day. That’s equal to two “fun-size” packets of plain M&Ms, which total 176 calories and 24 grams of carbohydrates.

The study, co-sponsored by the National Confectioners Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, confirms what dietitians and nutrition scientists already know: Moderate consumption of sweets isn’t what makes people pile on weight. Other factors at work may include the following:

• People who consume moderate amounts of candy may tend to exercise more to make up for their sugar consumption, thus offsetting any ill effects from eating sweets. • The major food contributors to obesity include such non-candy items as sugary sodas, extra-large restaurant portions, baked goods, and chips-foods that people consume in far larger quantities than candy.

Lead researcher Carol O’Neil and her colleagues at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge analyzed more than 15,000 diet surveys taken among U.S. adults between 1999 and 2004. Among respondents, only 20 percent said they consumed candy. The candy eaters had a slightly lower BMI than non-candy eaters, 27.7 versus 28.2. (Although the candy eaters did fare marginally better than non-candy eaters on their BMI figures, it’s helpful to remember that a BMI of 25 to 30 is considered “overweight.”)

The study also depended on people’s recall of whether they had consumed candy the day before. Because memories may be faulty when it comes to eating “extras” like candy, it’s possible that the 20 percent figure for candy consumers is too low.

The study was published in the February issue of the journal Nutrition Research.

Diabetes Health Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the opinions of writers, contributors, and commentators, and are not necessarily those of Diabetes Health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website.

Greetings from Nadia

A few facts about me in case you are new to my column and site.

My life in the diabetes community started at a young age as the secret keeper of my maternal and paternal Grandmothers. They both had type 2 diabetes and my days spent alone with them exposed me to their misunderstanding of how their diabetes really affected them. Eating candy bars, hiding the candy wrappers and smoking cigarettes seemed innocent enough to them. A decade later I married a type 1 person living with diabetes and experienced the full court of the diabetes spectrum with my type 2 family members and type 1 husband of almost 20 years.

Login

My grandmothers, the type 2 have struggled with their diabetes as long as I could remember. Later my mother followed in her mother’s footsteps. Sadly, my brother followed in my mother’s footsteps and experienced an early passing at the age of 53. My brother Jamal’s passing had the greatest impact on me. Probably because were the Irish twins; eleven months apart and his departure devastated me.

As I tell most people, diabetes is not a glamorous profession. Most people that work in the industry have a personal connection. This is why I am still here publishing after 26 years.

On the flip side of the coin, helping and inspiring people is my mission. I understand the daily challenges you face regardless of your education, IQ and economic circumstance. I am not a healthcare professional. Simply a lay person who has lived with a Type 1 and Type 2 family member who struggled with their disease. My former Type 1 husband was a role model in how to manage your diabetes, while my intelligent family members were role models on how an invisible disease can be misunderstood, devastating the quality of their life while leaving heart broken family members behind.

The perils of my experience have taught me to never judge anyone. As knowledgeable as I am, I also realize that I have no idea of the strings that pull at each person heart.

What I love about the diabetes community?

Once I meet someone and we share that we have a common experience; their diabetes and my life long experience as a care taker, we tend to have an instant bond. Think about it. How many people do you meet who you feel really get you right after your introduction? The conversations that follow tend to be very personal. Not a common experience with all strangers.

AskNadia Column

I started this column because where ever I go, people tend to ask me a lot of diabetes questions.

My answers are my opinions and it is not to be replaced by your healthcare professional’s opinion. The answers to your question in most cases will include research and other links to give you a borader perspective on your question.